Philadelphia Marathon 11/23 - who's in? who's done it? (Read 154 times)

It'll be marathon #5 for me.  I am hoping to improve upon the suck that was my Vermont City marathon back in May.

 

Anything I need to know about for Philly?  Any pointers about the course?  Any other RA folks going to be there (besides my wife)?

I've done the Philly marathon a couple of times; the Philly half marathon 3 times. I really like this course -- that's where I got my marathon PR! I'm bummed that I can't do it this year due to work/travel commitments.

A few things to keep in mind: The start is very early and it can be very cold, so bring extra "throw-away" clothes. The lines at the porta-potties can be very long so don't wait too long before the start. The first half is the most demanding part of the course, and the most interesting, but it's not too bad. Beware that the start can be very crowded, which can help you not to run too fast. There are many more runners for the first half because the marathon and half marathon start at the same time. There are a few small hills over bridges and one tough uphill and equally tough, steep downhill in the first half, but the second half is a flat out and back. That's good and bad because it can get rather dull and there are no crowds to cheer you on for most of it. Also, as you go out, you see runners coming back and you get very jealous. However, if you are slow enough, you may also get to see the winning runners on their way back which is exciting.

The start and finish are in the same place which makes the bag check and transportation much easier.

We've generally stayed in a hotel within walking distance of the start/finish, but it may be late to book a hotel now. Check the web site for a list of participating restaurants and make a reservation for your pre-marathon dinner now. There are some good deals, and restaurants will be booked up soon.

All in all, I think it's a good course in a fun city; the crowds are great and it's an interesting, but not too demanding course. I'm comparing it to New York and Boston and Philly is much less tough IMHO.

I'm doing the half. I'm excited about it and hoping for a PR. I waited too long to get a hotel room so now I'm staying by the airport. Hopefully I will be able to get a cab to the start in the morning?

Yes, very easily.  And on a Sunday morning, it should be about 20 minutes or so .

 

Excellent.

Great marathon.  Really enjoyed it.  Not too crowded and a walk-up start.

About the only thing I didn't like was the hair-pin on the other side of the bridge.

Other than that, enjoy.  And go out for a cheese-steak afterwards.

I did it in 2010(?) and I've done the half multiple times.  I was originally going to do Steamtown this year, but had to drop out due to illness... this was the most obvious backup for me.

Like mentioned above, the first half is more crowded, more turns, and "hillier."  Don't worry if your pace is a few seconds off the first half.   Once you pass the halfway mark and the half-marathoners split off, the course opens up and you can settle into a nice groove.  Really nothing more than a few rollers after that point.  Less spectators (besides Manayunk of course) on the second half, but never felt bored.  Every year I've been there, wind wasn't too much of a factor other than waiting around to start.  It can be cold, but a lot of people duck into the hotel lobbies down by the circle (tip: you can use the bathroom there too if you arrive early enough - a lot of people are using this trick now though).

I live in Delaware, so I'm not going for a hotel, but yeah they are probably sold out in Center City.  If you are out of town and need a hotel try stadium or airport areas.  You'll be able to get transport.

See everyone there... goal somewhere between 3:25-3:30

It was my first marathon in 2009 and then I came back in 2010 for my PR which still stands. I really enjoyed it both times. I thought it was well run and the course itself was enjoyable and pretty fast. Well at least compared to Marine Corps and New York which are the only two others I've done.

Good luck everyone and have fun! By the way, I did have a bit of beer somewhere around 20 miles or so when I PRd in 2010 so I think that might be necessary to do well

How'd you all do?

I ran 3:23:27, good for a 15:15 PR.  My body is appropriately sore.